You’ve got to love a great cooler. It’s that little invention that has made spending time outdoors a lot simpler, especially when food and drinks are involved. The portable ice chest, or cooler, first made an appearance in the early 1950’s and it’s been a huge hit for those who love to go camping, on picnics. Those early coolers were chunky looking, metallic and somewhat cumbersome to cart around. Today’s coolers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

The best coolers are insulated with lightweight materials and are often smaller than their ancestors. When the weather gets warmer, take your food and drinks with you wherever you go and be assured that your food will stay fresh and tasty from sun up until sundown. We’ve put together a selection of coolers that will make your summer adventures a lot more enjoyable.

The Best Cooler

1

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler

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Carting cold drinks to your favorite picnic spot in the mountains has never been easier thanks to this Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler. It features Deep Freeze high-performance insulation and a patented, “flip-open” zipperless lid. The liner is FDA compliant HardBody with a removable SmartShelf and it’s also leakproof with Microban so your food and drinks are protected from bacteria, stains, and smells. This awesome cooler also comes with a convenient commutable strap with cushioning making it a sturdy, comfortable bag style cooler you’ll love taking with you on your picnics or even just keep your lunch cool. If you also like spending time on a golf course, be sure to check out our selection of the best golf coolers.

Key Features:

Deep Freeze high-performance insulation

Includes an insulated front pocket

Patented, “flip-open” zipperless lid

FDA compliant HardBody liner with removable SmartShelf

Ultra-Safe leak-proof lining with Microban

Adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap

Specification:

BrandArctic Zone

Model1718IL918763

Weight3.5 pounds

Pros

Radiant heat barrier reflects heat rather than absorbing it

Protects against bacterial odors and stains

Cons

Limited cooling time

2

Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler

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Head for the beach with your buddies and party all day and night with cold drinks with this Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler. It can take up to 85 cans and keep them cool for up to 4 days or pack fewer cans and more food. This is a high capacity, heavy-duty cooler that is built to last and deliver years of reliable performance. It’s charming, retro design will make it a pleasant future at any gathering you attend whether it’s at the beach, the mountains or your next poolside BBQ.

Key Features:

High-capacity, heavy-duty cooler

Premium insulation offers 4-day ice retention

Rust-resistant stainless-steel hardware

Built to deliver years of performance

Comfort-grip steel handles

Specification:

BrandColeman

Model3000000112

Weight19 pounds

Pros

Features charming retro design

Easy, controlled lifting, and carrying

54-quart capacity accommodates up to 85 cans

Cons

Latch may not be reliable

3

CleverMade Collapsible Insulated Soft Sided Cooler Bag

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Next time you head out for a family picnic, pack lunch in this convenient, large capacity CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag. This bag is insulated and lightweight yet it can hold up to 50 cans of your favorite beverages. When you unpack this tote cooler or consume everything in it, fold it up and stash it away. This soft sided cooler is perfect for those day time trips with the family, and food delivery services also find it very handy.

Key Features:

Large capacity Snap Basket Tahoe Cooler

Patented Snap Hinge on both sides

Versatile tote cooler for day trips

Lightweight bag holds 30 liters (8 gallons) by volume

Specification:

BrandCleverMade

Model7060-H011-00061PK

Weight2 pounds

Pros

Hold up to 50 cans of your favorite drinks plus ice

Folds completely flat

Great for food delivery services

Cons

May experience some leaking

4

Igloo Polar 120-Quart White Cooler

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The classic cooler looks in a sleek white color is perfect for those hot summer days. This Igloo Polar Cooler has an Ultratherm insulation body and lid with reinforced swing-up handle with a tie-down loop feature that makes it easy to carry from your car to your picnic spot. It also has dual snap-fit latches that securely keep the lid closure down and a threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining making it easy to clean as well. This marvel will keep your food icy for up to 5 days and you can keep 188 cans cool. That’s more than enough for even a large pool party.

Key Features:

Ultratherm insulated body and lid

Reinforced swing-up handles with a tie-down loop feature

Dual snap-fit latches secure lid closure

Threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining

Specification:

BrandIgloo

Model44577

Weight18.3 pounds

Pros

Keeps food icy for up to 5 days

188-can capacity

Cons

White exterior prone to staining

5

YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler

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Yeti coolers are among the most reliable coolers on the market and this Hopper Flip Portable Cooler would make a great gift for the person who likes to spend daylight hours outdoors. It features ColdCell insulation with a DryHide Outer Shell. Best of all it’s 100% leak-proof thanks to the HydroLok Zipper so you can toss it around in your care and not worry about any messy spills. Take this with you when you go to the beach or camping. You can even take it to your favorite sporting events and never need to leave your seat to get expensive stadium food. You may also like some of the best backpack coolers from our list, so check them out.

Key Features:

ColdCell Insulation

100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper

DryHide Shell outer

Completely portable

Ideal personal cooler

Specification:

BrandYETI

Weight2.8 pounds

Pros

Superior cold-holding

No leak cooler

Waterproof and resistant to mildew, punctures, and abrasions

Cons

Zipper can be tricky

6

Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler

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Most coolers can only cool using ice which is great until the ice melts. This Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler is the ultimate traveling companion because it keeps food cold without messy ice. It has an 8-foot long power cord that you can plug into your car’s cigarette lighter and keep the cooler in the trunk or back seat. It’s powered by a fan that circulates cool air in much the same way as your refrigerator at home. The ergonomic design of this cooler features a curved back making it easy to move around. This awesome cooler is perfect for road trips and a favorite with long haul truckies.

Key Features:

Iceless cooling performance

8-foot long power cord plugs into 12V DC receptacle

Ergonomic design features a curved back

Quiet brushless motor and convection cooling

The fan circulates cold air

Cools down to 36°F below the outside temperature

Specification:

BrandIgloo

Model40358-P

Weight1 pound

Pros

Cool on-the-go without the messiness of ice

Plugs into the car cigarette lighter

Long-time cooling

Cons

Power source required

7

Stanley Adventure Cooler

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When you want to head for the hills you want to be prepared. Coolers for camping are a great way to keep food and drinks at safe temperatures and this Stanley Adventure Cooler will keep your groceries cool for up to 27 hours. This is a nice, sturdy cooler with double wall foam insulation that is lightweight but tough. It can keep 21 cans cold or a little less drink and more food. The handle makes this cooler easy to carry and it’s a great size for a family picnic.

Key Features:

Double-wall foam insulation

Leak-resistant lid locks in the cold

Double-wall foam

Adjustable tie down

Keeps 21 cans cold

Specification:

BrandStanley

Model4002755-P

Weight9.4 pounds

Pros

Easy carry handle

27 hours of cool food and drinks

Perfect size for the family

Cons

The handle could be more durable

8

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler

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For those who like to live it rough in the wild, nothing beats this YETI Tundra 65 Cooler. It’s one of the sturdiest coolers available, earning it the label of being Certified Bear-Resistant. The insulating layer is a pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam that is super light in weight but keeps food incredibly cool for a portable cooler. Even the latches of this cooler have been constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you can be sure this is a cooler that will last you for a whole lot of years. Take it with you fishing and keep you catch in this cooler without worrying about the nasty fish smell before you even get home.

Key Features:

Rotomolded construction

Pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam

T-Rex lid latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber

Super-strong construction

Specification:

BrandYETI

ModelYT65T

Weight29 pounds

Pros

Unmatched ice retention

3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation

Great for storing your caught fish

Certified bear-resistant

Cons

Bulky and heavy

9

Coleman 54-Quart Cooler for Camping & Outdoor Activities

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Beach parties, camping trips or even a backyard BBQ will be so much better when you have a Coleman 54-Quart Cooler like this one. It’s a great way to keep your drinks cool during parties, or you can pack a decent amount of supplies and hit your favorite camping spot in the forest for a day or two. This is a high capacity, heavy-duty cooler with a 54-quart capacity. It’s made from rust-resistant stainless steel with comfort grip steel handles. You’ll love the cool, retro design that will have your buddies guessing as to how long you’ve had it. For more amazing options for hot summer days, check out our selection of the best floating coolers.

Key Features:

High capacity, heavy-duty cooler

54-quart capacity

Insulation offers 4-day ice retention

Rust-resistant stainless-steel hardware

Comfort-grip steel handles

Specification:

BrandColeman

Model3000000381

Weight19.7 pounds

Pros

Cool retro design

Takes up to 85 Cans

Built to deliver years of performance

Cons

Latches could be stronger

10

ORCA Heavy-Duty Cooler

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For a nice big capacity cooler this ORCA Cooler is a winner. The large, 58-quart capacity is big enough to hold lots of food and drinks for a full weekend of camping. This cooler can keep your things cold for a few days thanks to integrated insulation. There is also a handy cargo net attachment included for additional storage. There is also a nice sturdy lid gasket to ensure a perfect seal that is certain to keep the interior nice and cool and with a lifetime warranty, you’ll be taking this cooler with you on weekends right into your senior years.

Key Features:

Roto molded construction

Integrated insulation

Lid Gasket to ensure a perfect seal

Flex grip handles for comfortable portage

Cargo Net Attachment included for added storage

Maximum ice/cold retention

Specification:

BrandORCA COOLERS

ModelTP058ORC

Weight34 pounds

Pros

Lid gasket for a perfect seal

Lifetime Warranty

Easy-flow drainage spout

Cons

Ice cooling time may be limited

11

Pelican Products Progear 45 Quart Elite Cooler

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Pelican coolers have a reputation for excellent cooling properties and this 45-quart Progear Elite Cooler is a camper’s best friend. It’s designed with a freezer-grade gasket that seals in the cool and secure clasps ensure a better seal so food stays cooler and fresher for much longer. This baby offers 7 to 10 days of ice retention so you can really get away for longer and not worry about food spoilage. The handles can be easily gripped and then slip down when you’ve found the best place to keep your cooler while you camp. This is a super sturdy cooler that you’ll get many years of use out of. It would make a perfect gift for beer lovers who like to have their beer cool wherever they go.

Key Features:

45 Quart Elite Marine Cooler

Designed with a freezer-grade gasket

Durable and versatile

Plenty of room for food and drinks

Secure clasps for a better seal

Easy-grip handles

Specification:

BrandPelican

Model32-45Q-MC-WHT

Weight35.9 pounds

Pros

7 to 10-day ice retention ability

Handy inner basket for extra storage

Cons

Pricey

12

AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler with High-Density Insulation

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Never drink lukewarm water again after a day of hiking when you pack your cold water and other food and beverages in this AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler. The outer layer is canvas with high-density insulation with a removable shoulder strap and a side pocket for extra odds and ends. This is a durable cooler bag that you will love and it’s perfect for sporting days, boating and hiking.